I used to let bunches of rosemary and basil dry wherever I could find space, door knobs, towel rods, you name it. But it got messy real quick.
That’s when I started trying out different herb drying racks. And honestly? Game-changer.
Some racks are space-saving, some are pretty, and some are both. I’m sharing my favorite ideas here, things I’ve used or seen work in real homes like yours.
You don’t need fancy gear, just a little creativity and a spot with good airflow.
1. Foldable Mesh Drying Rack
This one is a total space-saver. I got mine online for under $20 and it folds up when I’m not using it.
I hang it on a ceiling hook in my laundry room. It has zipper compartments so dust and bugs stay out, super helpful when drying parsley or mint.
If you’re drying herbs often, this rack is worth having on hand. It holds a ton and barely takes up any room when collapsed.
2. Wall-Mounted Mesh Rack
I installed one of these by my back door and it changed everything. No more herbs clogging up my windowsills!
It hangs flat against the wall, and the mesh lets air flow from both sides. I lay the herbs flat and flip them once a day.
Perfect if you’ve got an unused wall or narrow nook. You can even mount a small fan nearby for faster drying.
Also Read – 18 Herb Spiral Garden Ideas
3. Hanging Ladder Rack
One weekend, I found an old wooden ladder at a garage sale. I hung it sideways from my porch ceiling and started clipping herb bundles to each rung.
It looks cute and rustic, totally fits my garden vibe. Plus, I can hang so many bundles at once.
Use twine or S-hooks to secure your herbs. It’s sturdy, simple, and adds charm to your drying setup.
4. Macrame Herb Hanger
I got this as a gift and didn’t expect to love it as much as I do. It hangs in my kitchen and looks like a piece of decor.
Each loop cradles a bundle of herbs. I use it for lavender and sage, especially when I want to show them off.
It’s best for smaller bunches, but it’s so pretty I don’t mind switching things out more often.
5. Clothespin Hangers
I started using these when I was in a rush one day, just grabbed a clothes hanger and clipped on some herbs with clothespins.
Now I keep a few ready in my pantry. They’re cheap, easy, and surprisingly neat-looking.
I like using them for basil and thyme. Just make sure the bundles aren’t too heavy or they’ll droop.
6. Metal Grid Herb Rack
I had an old metal kitchen grid and repurposed it as an herb rack. A few S-hooks later, it was hanging above my stove.
It’s great because it doubles as storage. I clip herbs up top and hang kitchen tools underneath.
This one’s ideal if you’re tight on space but still want to keep things organized and stylish.
7. Rotating Tiered Rack
You know those tiered cupcake stands? I started using one for herbs. Game-changer for smaller, fragile ones like dill.
I just place a paper towel on each tier, then lay the herbs flat. It spins, so I can rotate it for even drying.
I keep mine near a window for sunlight. It’s neat, compact, and fun to use, plus it smells amazing when it’s full.
8. Repurposed Picture Frame Rack
I had a few broken frames in storage, so I got crafty. I stapled some mesh across the backs and hung them on the wall.
Now they’re my favorite DIY racks. I use clothespins to clip herbs to the mesh, it’s functional and artsy.
They work best when hung in a dry spot with good airflow. Bonus, they look like little herb shadow boxes.
9. Wooden Peg Rack
This one’s simple but super useful. I mounted a peg rack (the kind for coats) in my mudroom.
Now, I just hang herbs from the pegs with a bit of twine. I can fit at least six bundles at a time.
If you have an extra peg strip lying around, this is a no-fuss way to dry herbs without making a mess.
10. Over-the-Door Drying Rack
I needed something for my apartment that didn’t involve drills or nails. An over-the-door rack was the answer.
It hooks onto the pantry door, and I clip herbs to the bars with clothespins. Zero damage and super accessible.
When I’m done drying, I take it down and stash it in a closet. Perfect for renters or college kitchens.
11. Bamboo Steamer Basket Rack
I was reorganizing the kitchen and found my bamboo steamer, then had a lightbulb moment.
I stacked a few and placed herbs inside each level. The bamboo lets air through while keeping things tidy.
It’s a gentle method, especially for soft herbs like oregano. Just place it near a sunny window or a fan.
12. Tension Rod Herb Rack
This trick saved me during peak harvest last summer. I stretched a tension rod between two upper cabinets.
Then I tied herb bundles to it with string. No tools, no holes, and it came down when I was done.
It’s quick to install and surprisingly strong. I dried bunches of thyme, mint, and even rosemary this way.
13. Wire Hanger Spiral Rack
My kids helped twist a few wire hangers into spirals, and we hung herbs from the loops. It was fun and totally free.
We painted them white for a cleaner look and now use them each season. They work best for light bundles.
If you’re crafty, or have kids who like to help, this is a great weekend project.
14. Ladder Shelf Drying Station
I had an old leaning ladder shelf in the garage. I brought it in, added mesh liners, and suddenly had five drying tiers.
I place herbs flat on each shelf, rotating them every day or so. It holds a ton without taking up much space.
If you’ve got unused furniture lying around, this is a smart and easy solution.
15. Window Screen Drying Tray
I found an old window screen in the shed and placed it across two chairs. It became my go-to tray for big harvests.
I lay herbs in a single layer and let the air do its thing. It’s especially good for things like basil or lemon balm.
I like that I can see everything at once and clean it easily when I’m done.
Conclusion
I’ve tried all sorts of ways to dry herbs, some fancy, some wildly simple. In the end, it’s about finding what works for you and your space.
Don’t stress about making it perfect. Start with what you’ve got, tweak as you go, and enjoy having your own stash of dried herbs ready for soups, teas, and everything in between.
And trust me, once your kitchen smells like drying rosemary? You’ll be hooked.